This archive report was first published on 26 September 2019.
On September 26, 2019, a tense situation unfolded at Tob Cohen's funeral in Nairobi, Kenya. Philip Murgor, the lawyer representing Sarah Wairimu Cohen, was involved in a verbal altercation with Patrick Muiruri, a close friend of the late businessman.
Muiruri, a Kiambu politician, allegedly threatened Murgor, warning him not to pick on his daughter, but to confront him instead if he wanted a fight. The incident occurred after Murgor had politely asked Muiruri's daughter to leave the cemetery, as the funeral was intended to be a private ceremony for family members only.
According to Murgor's letter to the Parklands OCS, Muiruri insulted him, shouting 'Fk you' and threatening to deal with him outside. However, Muiruri was restrained by advocates Chege Kirundi and Cliff Ombeta, who were present at the scene. The incident was witnessed by George Ouma, another advocate.
Security was tight at the funeral, with a dozen armed officers keeping watch and Sarah Wairimu Cohen being escorted by two prison wardens. The funeral was also marked by the presence of pallbearers armed with firearms, as seen in a photo by the Daily Nation.
